JPH0732040B2 - Flexible cable / connector - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to connectors, and more particularly to electrical connectors for use with flexible cables (or tapes) that include multiple conductors as parts.

US Patent Application No. 0 by WL Brodsky et al. Filed Nov. 3, 1988
7 / 266,538 “Electrical Connector Assembly Including Pressure Generating Member” defines a connector assembly for connecting two circuit members (eg, printed circuit boards, flexible cables) that use pressure generating members. Has been done. The pressure generating member includes a metal base, a resilient member and some compressible elements as its parts. This pressure generating member can be used in the present invention.

US patent application No. 07 such as AD Knight filed December 19, 1988
/ 285,971 "Electrical Connector Using Flexible Electrical Circuits" defines a connector assembly for connecting a flexible circuit (cable) to a selected connector on a board. Multiple (eg, three) pressure generating means are used. This U.S. patent application also defines an assembly in which the pair of flexible circuits are clamped to opposite sides of the PCB.

EP patent application No. 07 such as EP Dibble filed December 21, 1988
/ 287,236 "Connector for connecting flexible film integrated circuit carrier to board or card and method of using the same" has a handle and a head, and the head provides a plurality of contacts (for example, three Connector) that includes raised contact "points" to electrically couple the circuit carrier to the card or board (eg, PCB). This type of contact can be used in the present invention.

US patent applications such as DW Dranchak filed on June 15, 1989
07 / 366,848 "Connector Assembly with Movable Carriage" contains two other circuit components (eg, two printed circuit boards)
An electrical connector assembly is defined that includes a housing that includes a flexible circuit that functions to electrically couple to each other. A movable carriage within the housing moves to create such contact.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The use of electrical connectors to connect flexible cables (often referred to in the art as tapes, especially if they are flat in shape) is known and the case is described in US Pat. No. 3,073.
No. 6,951 (G.Swanson), No. 2,981,918 (W.Gluck
Etc.), No. 2,968,016 (W.Angele) and No. 4,636,0
No. 19 (Gillett). Yet another example is IBM's
Technical Disclosure Bulletins Volume 18, Issue 11 (1976
April), Volume 25, Issue 1 (June 1982), and 22
Vol. 2, No. 2 (July 1979). In most of these cases, along with other cases in the art, such a connector provides an electrical connection between a flexible circuit member (cable or tape) and a different circuit member (eg, a relatively rigid circuit board). Provide a connection, or if a connection is required between two individual flexible circuits,
Additional conductive means (eg solid contacts, etc.) are required.

As described herein below, the electrical connector of the present invention provides a direct and direct connection between two circuits of a pair of individual flexible cables in a reliable and effective manner without the need for additional connecting means or the like. Electrical connection. The relatively simplified design of the present invention ensures such a connection in a dense manner, as is highly desirable in today's connector technology, including information handling systems (computers) to which the present invention is particularly applicable. To do. The term high density refers to an array of conductive elements (eg, copper pads) having densities in the range of about 100 to about 200 individual elements per square inch, or more specifically, each such element. By providing an electrical connection between the arrays having only about 0.076 square mm to about 0.178 square mm. When connection is required only between individual circuit lines (pathways) exposed on the surface of the cable, the term high density refers to the length of the cable (eg, between the top faces of flat cable members). About 20 per 25.4 mm (1 inch)
It is meant to include books to 35. So that you can understand
Such an effective connection between a large number of elements per individual cable guarantees a miniaturization of such a structure, as is highly desirable, especially in today's connector industry associated with computers. As will be further discussed herein, the present invention substantially eliminates possible damage to cables that are relatively thin and are often subject to considerable damage, especially when the cables exhibit various flat shapes as is particularly desirable in today's industry. Providing such a connection while preventing.

We believe that such a connector would make a significant advance in the art.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide the advantageous features defined herein, in particular two conductive elements (eg contact pads, wires, etc.) arranged in a very dense array. It is to enhance the technology of electrical connectors by providing electrical connectors that directly connect circuits on individual flexible cables.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a connector that can be operated in a relatively simple manner and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an electrical connector for electrically connecting circuits on first and second flexible cables, the connector being oriented in a positional relationship in which the circuits face each other. On the base member on which the first and second flexible cables are placed, and the base member for aligning the circuits of the first and second flexible cables in a precise alignment with each other. And a clamp member movably positioned to occupy the first and second positions on the base member. The clamp member and the base member are configured such that the circuit on the first flexible cable is in direct contact with the circuit on the second flexible cable when the clamp member occupies the second position. Tighten the second flexible cable together. The invention also includes a compression means arranged between the base member and the clamping member, which engages at least one of the flexible cables during tightening and is brought into a compressed state during tightening, the compression means thus comprising A predetermined acting force is exerted on the flexible cable in the engaged state when compressed. The invention further includes retaining means for retaining the clamp member in a second position with respect to the base member, the electrical connector providing a high density connection between the two flexible cables.

According to another feature of the invention, there is provided an electrical connector for electrically connecting a circuit on a first and a second flexible cable, the connector being oriented in a positional relationship in which the circuit faces. On the base member for mounting the first and second flexible cables so that the circuits of the first and second flexible cables are aligned with each other in precise alignment. And a clamping member for occupying a first and second position with respect to the base member, the clamp member being disposed over the flexible cable placed on the base member. The clamp member and the base member are configured so that the circuit on the first flexible cable is in direct contact with the circuit on the second flexible cable when the clamp member occupies the second position.
And tighten the second flexible cable together. The connector also includes compression means disposed between the base member and the clamp member for engaging at least one of the flexible cables during tightening and being compressed during tightening, the compression means thus compressed. When applied, a predetermined force is exerted on the flexible cable in the engaged state. The connector further includes retaining means movably disposed on the clamp member to retain the clamp member against the flexible cable when the clamp member is in the second position, the electrical connector being flexible. Provides a high density connection between the sex cables.

EXAMPLES For a better understanding of the present invention, as well as other objects, advantages and capabilities, please refer to the following description of the drawings and the appended claims.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exploded perspective view of a flexible cable connector 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. connector
The 10 is specifically designed to electrically connect the circuits on two individual flexible cables 13 and 15 to each other so that the circuits on the flexible cables are in direct physical contact. There is. The term flexible cable, as defined herein, is meant to include a cable structure having a dielectric (electrically insulating) component and multiple conductors within and / or over it. . For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, a flexible flat cable 15 connects associated individual conductors 21 spaced on a top surface 23 thereof in a predetermined density array. A dielectric substrate 17 on which a plurality of individual conductive paths (conductors) 19 functioning to
Are shown as including. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a total of 375 conductor pads 21 can be used,
They are oriented in five parallel rows (as shown) with each row of conductors spaced about 1.57 mm from each other. In this example, the conductors in each row can be separated by about 0.750 to about 0.780 mm. Conductor pad 21
May be of any known form (including cylindrical or rectangular) and may be of any known conductor material (eg, copper) deposited on the top surface 23 of the substrate in a known manner. The path 19 of the conductive circuit is also made of this material and can be deposited as well. Further, for the purpose of the present invention,
A conductive path is embedded in the dielectric and well-known means (eg,
It will also be appreciated that it is possible to electrically couple the flexible cable to the conductor pad 21 exposed by the plated through hole). A dielectric material that can be used for such flexible cables is the well-known material polyimide.

As shown in FIG. 1, each of the cables 13, 15 has a generally flat configuration and, in one embodiment of the invention, may have a thickness of only about 0.127 mm. Flexible flat cables are known in the art and typically have a thickness of about 0.076 mm to about 0.381 mm. Such a cable can be electrically connected using the connector of the present invention. The configurations of the conductor patterns and the conductive paths shown in FIG. 1 do not limit the present invention. It is within the scope of the invention to provide a secure electrical connection (as required for repairs, etc.) between the exposed conductors (pathways) of such a cable.

As shown in FIG. 1 and also in the partially enlarged sectional views in FIGS. 3 and 4, the conductor pads (or contact elements 21, 21 ') are in direct mutual contact when placed on the connector 10. Aligned and placed in. This means that no additional measures (eg metal contacts, etc.) are needed,
The direct physical connection represents a distinctive feature of the invention in that it results in a more secure coupling of these conductive elements.
It is thus understood that the upper cable 13 in FIG. 1 is shown in an inverted position (as opposed to the lower cable 15) so that the contact element 21 'is located on the bottom surface 23' of this cable. Will be done. Similarly, the conductive path 19
Is preferably placed on the bottom or opposite surface 23 '.
To provide such a unique connection, the connector 10
Comprises an elongated shaped base member 31 carrying means 33 for aligning both cables so as to obtain said direct contact. The preferred alignment means used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a pair of upstanding pins 35 located at opposite ends of the substantially flat upper surface of the base 31 on which both flat cables are located. , 37. To achieve such an arrangement, each cable preferably includes a pair of spaced openings 41,43 on either side thereof, each opening being one of the respective pins 35 or 37 shown in FIG. Is designed to house. Each aperture is directed into each dielectric in exact alignment with the remaining circuits 19, 21 on the cable to ensure precise alignment between the very dense row of contact elements as described above. . Furthermore, each opening is of substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of each of the protruding cylindrical pins 35 and 37 to ensure a secure fit of the cable. In one embodiment of the invention, each pin may have an outer diameter of about 3.180 mm and the inner diameter of the corresponding opening may be about 3.200 mm.

Further ensuring of such precise alignment is possible through the use of a certain amount of stiffener 51 that substantially surrounds each of the openings 41, 43 and extends along the length of the thin flexible cable. This stiffener, which is preferably metal (eg, copper), is deposited at the same time that the remaining circuits 19, 21 are installed on each flat cable. Further strengthening the retention of each cable (thus providing ancillary stress relief) and substantially preventing each cable from deforming as might occur during handling (repair and / or replacement) The use of such stiffeners is considered a significant feature of the present invention. That is, such stiffeners serve to substantially prevent deformation on each side of the tape, and also to substantially prevent undesirable wrinkles and the like on such relatively thin and fragile products. Can be useful. In one embodiment of the invention, the copper stiffener has a thickness of about 0.071 mm and a thickness of about 0.071 mm.
It may have a width of 3.180 mm. If the stiffener 51 surrounds each opening in the dielectric of each cable, the encircling ring portion of each material may have a width of about 2.00 mm.

The connector 10 is further movably mounted on the base member 31 and is in a first (open) position relative to the base member 31 (first
Clamping member 61 adapted to occupy a second position (as shown) and a second (closed) position (as shown in FIGS. 2-4).
And the second (closed) position provides the necessary clamping force on the aligned flexible cables 13,15. A clamp 61, as shown in FIG. 1, is pivotally disposed on the base 31 to move downwardly at an angle toward the closed position. Both cables are first
When placed in the face-to-face relationship shown, the pivotable clamp is lowered relative to it. Clamp 61 is
It includes an opening 63 (FIG. 3) designed to align with and accommodate upright pin 35. A similar opening (not shown)
A relatively short upright pin 37 is provided on the opposite end of the clamp 61 and stands upright. The clamp 61 is lowered with respect to the pins 35 and 37, and is held by the holding means 65 slidably arranged at the front end of the elongated clamp member 61 as shown in FIG.
Held in the closed position. As further shown in FIG. 2, the retaining means includes a securing member 67 having downwardly projecting lateral segments 69 which seat in elongated slots 71 formed on opposite sides of the clamping member 61. Figure 2 (and Figure 1)
Although only one such slot and attachment surface is shown in Figure 3, it will be appreciated that similar members may be provided on the opposite side of clamp 61 (not shown).

As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the clamp member 61 is placed in the substantially second closed position, the slidable retaining means 65 cammingly engages the upright pin 35. Designed to fit. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the slidable clamp member has a pin as shown in these figures when the holding member is moved laterally (the “L” direction in FIG. 4). Includes a cam surface that serves to engage the protruding head segment 75 of 35. Thus, when the head segment 75 slides over the angled first portion of surface 73 to the generally horizontal end of this surface, the result is an upper clamp member 61.
Are moved downward to their final, fully closed (tightened) position. This condition also results in the clamp member 61 being firmly secured in this final closed position, thereby substantially preventing it from separating (and disengaging) in future use. However, it will be appreciated that such separation can easily occur by an operator who chooses to return the slidable retaining member to its original non-actuated position (FIG. 3).

As shown in FIG. 1, the connector 10 further includes compression means 81 in the form of an elastic member of insulating material (eg, silicone rubber), which during the clamping operation (to the underside of the lower cable). To produce a predetermined acting force, and tolerate changes in the thickness of the contact element and other heights in the engagement structure. Thus, the compressible elastic member 81 helps to allow manufacturing tolerances in the structure described herein. The elastic member 81 is
A plurality of spaced apart projections 85 arranged in a predetermined pattern thereon so as to exert the required force on the substantially flat surface of the bottom of the cable 15 (and thereby the contact elements on the opposite surface). It is preferable that the substrate 83 has a relatively thin substrate 83. In one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member
The 81 can have a substrate thickness of only about 0.635mm,
The overall average height of each protrusion is about 0.890 mm, and the composite average height of this member is about 1.520 mm. Alternatively, a pressure applying member similar to that defined in the above-noted pending US patent application Ser. No. 07 / 266,538 filed Nov. 3, 1988 entitled "Electrical Connector Assembly Including Pressure Generating Member" may be used. It is possible to use.

As defined in that U.S. patent application, the pressure imparting member includes a thin metal base element, an elastic member, and a number of compressible elements that project upwardly to form one side of the pressure imparting member. Including and 1, 3, and 4
When using this elastic member as shown in the figure, about 50 to about 70
An average acting force in the gram range occurs for each of the above flexible cables. This acting force is considered to be adequate in providing a positive effective connection between each of the pairs of facing and engaged contact elements 21 and 21 '. To further ensure a secure connection at this position, it is desirable to use contact elements with raised point shapes. An example of such a contact element is shown in the previously filed 1988 12
No. 07 / 287,236 filed Jan. 21, "Connector for Bonding Flexible Film Integrated Circuit Carrier to Board or Card and Method of Use". As defined in US patent application Ser. No. 07 / 287,236, each contact element preferably has a plurality of raised contact portions formed on its respective head. Such raised portions (eg, three) serve to create a concentrated acting force on the engaged material. Such an arrangement would also provide what can be referred to as a wipe contact for slightly lateral displacement of each flexible cable in the final clamped condition. This is a distinguishing feature of the present invention because such a wiping movement serves to effectively remove contaminants found in each contact element and which may adversely affect the provision of reliable contact at this location. Conceivable. Such a unique configuration is particularly desirable when subsequent replacement of connector 10 and / or cable 13 or 15 is anticipated. If a permanent connection is used for two such cable members, it is possible to use contact elements 21 and 21 'of substantially flat form, in which the wiping action in the method defined here is not used. . Thus, such a secure connection will occur after each of these elements is guaranteed to have a clean top surface.

The final tightened state of the connector 10 results in compression of the elastic projection 85 as shown in FIG. The result of such compression is that a defined force is exerted on the adjacent continuous flexible cable 15.

The base and clamp members of connector 10 may be plastic (eg, phenolic) or lightweight metal (eg, aluminum or magnesium). The slidable retaining member 65, which is also preferably made of plastic, can be made of any of these materials. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, elastic pad member 81 may be fixed in place by gluing the bottom surface of this member to the flat top surface of base member 31 (using a suitable adhesive). desirable. Another way to fix them is to cure the pads directly to the base 31. It is also within the scope of the invention to position this member on the corresponding facing surface 91 of the clamp member 61 so that this elastic member exerts a downward force on the upper cable 13. You should understand. Also, in the present invention, it is easy to use two separate elastic members, each located on each of the defined surfaces of the connector 10 with respect to the clamp member and the base member. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upright pins 35 (and preferably the upright pins 37) form an upward projection (or extension) of the base 31 and are thereby an integral part thereof. Alternatively, each pin can consist of a separate element fixedly arranged within each base member.

5 and 6, a connector 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Connector 100, like connector 10 above, is designed to connect a circuit to a pair of cables (upper and lower) of similar shape to those described in FIG. 1 above. Thus, the same number is given to its similar components. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, a defined clamp retaining member 165 is rotatably attached to the upper clamp member 161 which is shown in FIGS. Thus, when two cables are placed in (above) the base 131, they are placed on top of these cables. Therefore, once 2
Cables in place (for example, upright alignment pins
When placed (using 135 and 137 (FIG. 6)), the upper clamping members are placed on them and the rotating retaining means (in the form of an elongated arm) upstands the outer surface 167 of the base 131. It is rotationally moved (in the "R" direction in FIG. 6) to engage each face 169 in the end in a cam-like engagement. Once such an engagement occurs, the rotation holding means 165 exerts a downward acting force on the clamp member 161, which further exerts a downward clamping force on the upper cable 13. It is also desirable to use an elastic member 81, such as the embodiment in FIG. 1, which is the lower base member.
It is preferably placed on the flat top surface of 131. A cross-sectional view of the connector 100, such as that shown in FIG. 6 about the center, clearly illustrates such a configuration. The rotational movement described above results from the use of projecting pins 171 that are inserted into corresponding holes 173 located approximately in the center of the upper clamping member. Stop means 181 in the form of a pair of protrusions 183 located on the clamp member 161 serve to prevent further rotational movement of the retaining member 165 beyond the final closed position shown in FIG. Apertures 163 are shown as provided in the upper clamp member for receiving each of the upstanding pins 135 and 137 which project upward and form an integral part with the base 131.
A pair of curved tabs for operator engagement of the connector to facilitate rotational movement of the retaining arm member 165.
190 is provided on the upper surface of the arm member.

The retaining member, clamp member and base member of connector 100 can be made of the same materials as the corresponding members described for connector 10.

As described above, an electrical connector for electrically connecting circuits (for example, densely arranged contact element arrays) on two individual flexible cable members in a simple but effective manner is shown and described. did. The connector as described in the text has a relatively simple structure but ensures a reliable and effective connection. Connectors such as those described herein are capable of producing relatively high contact forces between such contact elements.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows two flexible (flat) cables (or two) placed in an overlapping arrangement, where the circuit on one flexible cable is placed in a face-to-face arrangement with respect to the circuit on the other flexible cable. 2 is a perspective view of a flexible cable connector according to one embodiment of the present invention, shown with the tapes just about to be connected, and FIG. 2 shows two flexible cables in phantom. 1 is a perspective view showing the connector of FIG. 1 in a closed (second) position, and FIG. 3 is a partial cross-section showing the connector of FIG. 1 in a position prior to the final closing (tightening) of the stationary flexible cable. FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view, FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 of the connector of FIG. 1 in a fully closed (fixed) position, and FIG. 5 is a flexible cable according to another embodiment of the present invention. -A perspective view showing the connector, and Fig. 6 shows the fifth position in a completely tightened position. It is a perspective view showing a connector. 10 ... Connector, 13, 15 ... Flexible cable, 17 ... Dielectric substrate, 19 ... Conductive path, 21, 21 '... Conductor pad (contact element), 31, 131 ... Base member, 33 ... Aligning means, 35 , 37, 1
35, 137 ... Upright pin, 41, 43 ... Opening, 51 ... Reinforcing material, 61 ...
Clamping member, 63 ... Opening, 65, 165 ... Holding means, 67 ... Fixing member, 69 ... Side segment, 71 ... Slot, 73 ... Cam surface, 75 ... Head segment, 81 ... Elastic member (compressing member),
83 ... Board, 85 ... Elastic protrusion, 100 ... Connector, 163, 173
… Hole, 171… Projection pin, 181… Stopping means, 190… Curved surface tab.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An electrical connector for electrically connecting circuits on first and second flexible cables each including a pair of spaced openings, wherein the circuits are in a facing relationship. A base portion for placing the first and second flexible cables so as to be oriented, and respectively for aligning the circuits of the first and second flexible cables with each other. A first and second upright pin on the base portion adapted to be received in each of the openings of the flexible cable, and movable between first and second positions relative to the base portion. A clamp portion, together with the base portion, such that when occupying the second position, the circuit on the first flexible cable is in direct contact with the circuit on the second flexible cable. First and second flexible case And a compression means arranged between the base portion and the clamp portion for applying pressure to the flexible cable while the flexible cable is being tightened, and the clamp portion. Means for holding the flexible cable in the second position with respect to the base portion, and extending along both sides of the flexible cable from around each opening of the flexible cable to both sides of the flexible cable. A stiffener for preventing deformation, wherein the stiffener is clamped together when the flexible cable is clamped by the base portion and the clamp portion.
A flexible cable connector adapted to provide supplemental stress relief to the flexible cable. 2. An electrical connector for electrically connecting circuits on first and second flexible cables each including a pair of spaced openings, wherein the circuits are in a facing relationship. A base portion for placing the first and second flexible cables so as to be oriented, and respectively for aligning the circuits of the first and second flexible cables with each other. A first and second upright pin on the base portion adapted to be received in each of the openings of the flexible cable, and movable between first and second positions relative to the base portion. A clamp portion, together with the base portion, such that when occupying the second position, the circuit on the first flexible cable is in direct contact with the circuit on the second flexible cable. First and second flexible case And a compression means arranged between the base portion and the clamp portion for applying pressure to the flexible cable while the flexible cable is being tightened, and the clamp portion. Means for holding the flexible cable in the second position with respect to the base portion, and extending along both sides of the flexible cable from around each opening of the flexible cable to both sides of the flexible cable. A reinforcing member for preventing deformation, and the holding means is arranged on the clamp part,
The base portion has at least one upright pin and the retaining means is adapted to cam-engage the pin portion when the clamp portion occupies the second position relative to the base portion. Flexible cable connector. 3. The holding means is slidably disposed on the clamp portion and includes a cam surface as a part thereof, and the pin is provided when the holding means slidably moves on the clamp portion. The cable connector according to claim 2, wherein the clamp portion is engaged with the cam surface to press the clamp portion against the flexible cable. 4. An electrical connector for electrically connecting circuits on first and second flexible cables each including a pair of spaced openings, wherein the circuits are in a facing relationship. A base portion for placing the first and second flexible cables so as to be oriented, and respectively for aligning the circuits of the first and second flexible cables with each other. First and second upright pins on the base portion adapted to be received in each of the openings of the flexible cable, and a clamp capable of taking first and second positions relative to the base portion. The first portion together with the base portion such that the circuit on the first flexible cable is in direct contact with the circuit on the second flexible cable when occupying the second position. And a second flexible cable And a compression means arranged between the base portion and the clamp portion for applying pressure to the flexible cable during tightening of the flexible cable, and the clamp portion. Means for holding the flexible cable in the second position with respect to the base portion, and extending along both sides of the flexible cable from around each opening of the flexible cable to both sides of the flexible cable. A reinforcing member for preventing deformation, the holding means being rotatably arranged on the clamp portion, and including a cam surface as a part thereof, the clamp portion being arranged from the first position to the first position. The cam surface engages with the base portion when the retaining means makes a rotational movement to move to the position 2, thereby allowing the clamp portion and the base portion to compress the flexible cable. Cable connector. 5. The cable connector according to claim 4, wherein said holding means includes an arm portion including a protruding pin, and said clamp portion includes a hole capable of accommodating said protruding pin during rotation of said arm.